American high

The variety of goals by Clint Dempsey, as well as the number, is what makes him stand out as one of the top performers in the Premier League this season.

He has now scored 21 times and has double figures for a third successive season.

At Bolton, his goals were a 25-yard free kick any of us would have been pleased with and a typical late arrival and finish in the box.

Under the radar

Papiss Cisse has rightly taken a lot of attention for his explosive start at Newcastle, but Nikica Jelavic is another January signing who is hitting the heights.

It can often be the following season before signings in that window settle, but Cisse has nine and Everton's Jelavic has scored five goals.

Liverpool will be looking out for him next Saturday in the FA Cup semi-final.

Watch Jarvis

Wolves look like they are going down, but I wonder if Matt Jarvis will go with them.

I like the look of him and Premier League predators will be watching closely.

One to watch: Matt Jarvis (second right) is attracting attention

His quality caught my eye at Stoke, where Peter Crouch scored the winner.

After Crouchy's stunning volley two weeks ago, he added another from his repertoire; an angled, looping header after a terrific climb.

Neil's a champion

Five titles as a player, now he has won the league as a manager too.

That is some achievement by Neil Lennon.

Scottish club football is not well admired in some places in England, but Lennon has had to climb a mountain to achieve that success.

Hallmark of greatness: Neil Lennon could go to the top

He has to deal with some awful personal issues that would have driven a lesser man away. He has the makings of a top boss.

Still fighting

A first booking after 69 seconds, a game that carried on delivering late surprises until a stunning volley by David Norris at the end, it sounds like it was a cracking game on the south coast between Championship leaders Southampton and bottom club Portsmouth.

You don't have to have played in that region to understand the rivalry.

Pompey are in trouble, but I hope they stay up and survive.

Tasty at the top

It promises to be an exciting finish in the Championship, with Southampton and Reading leading the way.

They have to play each other on Friday. There is a lot on the line at West Ham on Monday, when they entertain Birmingham (3rd v 4th).

Great leader: Chris Hughton has done a remarkable job at Birmingham

It's a good time to mention what a job Chris Hughton has done this season.